My Unforgettable Virgin Voyages Experience: Valiant Lady, October 10–15, 2025

When I booked my 40th birthday cruise on Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, I knew it would be different—but I didn’t realize how different. From the moment I left Dallas at what felt like the middle of the night to the moment I stepped foot back home, this trip was an experience from start to finish.

Let’s start at the very beginning—because travel days always have a story of their own.

Travel Day: Dallas to Miami

My trip kicked off bright and early—and I mean crazy early. We had a flight out of Dallas around 5:00 a.m., so I was running on excitement and caffeine more than sleep. The flight itself was smooth, and by the time we landed in Miami, the sun was barely up and the airport was just starting to buzz.

We grabbed an Uber straight to the Virgin Voyages Terminal, which was already impressive at first sight—modern, sleek, and unmistakably Virgin. Because we arrived so early, check-in was a breeze. There were no lines at all, which was a huge plus.

We passed our luggage off to be taken to our room, keeping only the essentials with us—perfect for the hours we needed to kill before boarding at 3 p.m.

Exploring Near the Port: Bacon Bitch & Brunch Mimosas

With a few hours to spare, we decided to explore nearby shops and eateries. The only place open for breakfast that early was Bacon Bitch—and let me tell you, it was an experience.

The vibe was bold, unapologetic, and full of personality—just like Virgin Voyages itself, honestly. We ordered breakfast, had a couple of mimosas, and enjoyed people-watching while soaking in the Miami morning.

After breakfast, we explored a bit more, browsed a few shops, and later grabbed lunch at a Mexican restaurant nearby. We shared a pitcher of sangria, chips and guac, and some good laughs while counting down the hours until boarding.

By early afternoon, it was time to make the walk back toward the terminal, and the excitement really started to build.

Boarding the Valiant Lady

Returning to the Virgin Voyages Terminal felt like stepping into a luxury airport lounge—smooth, stylish, and completely stress-free. Check-in was seamless, and once we boarded, I immediately noticed how different this cruise line feels compared to others I’ve been on.

Everything about Virgin Voyages screams modern, adults-only sophistication—from the décor to the music to the way the crew interacts with you. It’s not “stuffy cruise” energy; it’s more like checking into a high-end boutique resort that just happens to float.

Virgin Voyages: Different from Any Cruise Line You’ve Known

One of the first things you notice about Virgin Voyages is how different it feels from other cruise experiences:

1. Adult-only focus – Virgin Voyages is strictly 18+, creating a relaxed, grown-up environment. No children means no long lines at family buffets, no crowded pools, and a vibe that leans more toward boutique resort than mega-cruise.

2. All-inclusive with a modern twist – Meals are included across over 20 eateries, from casual bites to fine dining. Drinks are included too, depending on your package, but what really sets Virgin apart is the quality and variety. Specialty dining isn’t extra, unlike many other lines, so you can try different flavors every night without worrying about the bill.

3. Sustainability and innovation – Virgin Voyages has committed to being plastic-free, with refillable water stations and eco-conscious initiatives throughout the ship. Even small touches, like digital menus and locally sourced ingredients, make you feel like this isn’t just another cruise.

4. Entertainment like no other – Forget stuffy theater shows. Virgin Voyages’ entertainment blends immersive, adult-themed performances, live music, and interactive experiences that feel more like a trendy festival than a cruise.

5. A boutique, hotel-like experience at sea – From the design-forward cabins to the focus on social spaces, everything feels intentionally curated. No stuffy cruise ship vibes here—think sleek, modern, Instagram-ready spots everywhere you look.

Ports of Call: Puerto Plata & Bimini Island

🇩🇴 Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Our first stop was Puerto Plata, and it quickly became one of my favorite port days ever. This was one of those ports where you truly feel like you’re in another world — colorful, vibrant, and full of local charm.

We started by exploring Umbrella Street (also called Umbrella Alley) — a bright, cheerful walkway covered in hanging umbrellas that makes for the most fun photos. Right nearby is Pink Alley (or Pink Street) — and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. The whole street is bathed in pink, from the buildings to the decor. Between those two spots, I got some of my favorite photo and video moments of the entire cruise.

After exploring the streets, we stopped into a local jewelry shop called Custom Jewelers, where we got a fascinating look at how their unique Dominican stone — found only in the Dominican Republic — is mined and crafted. It’s called Larimar, and it’s this gorgeous, ocean-blue gemstone that reflects the island’s natural beauty. Watching them shape it and explain the history behind it gave the experience a deeper, more cultural touch.

We also did the Squirrel Monkey excursion, which was an absolute delight—tiny monkeys hopping on your shoulder? Unforgettable.

🇧🇸 Bimini Island, Bahamas

Our next stop was Bimini Island in the Bahamas, where Virgin Voyages has its very own Beach Club at Bimini — and it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds.

The beach club extends Virgin’s all-inclusive vibe right onto the sand. Your food is already included, and everything from the grilled seafood to the tropical drinks feels elevated but effortless.

What really stood out to me was how peaceful it was. We had plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas, and there was no rushing to claim a spot or fighting for space — it was just calm, beachy bliss. Between the turquoise water, soft music, and comfortable seating, it was the perfect place to relax and soak in the last full day of our trip.

Life Aboard the Valiant Lady

Stepping onto the Valiant Lady felt like entering a boutique hotel that floats. From the very first moment, I noticed how clean, classy, and modern everything was. This isn’t your typical cruise ship with grand, opulent, overwhelming spaces; it’s more intimate, thoughtfully designed, and adult-focused.

One of the first things I noticed was the abundance of lounge chairs, lounge beds, and sunning areas. There’s seriously no shortage of places to relax and enjoy the view, and the best part? No kids running around. It’s quiet, sophisticated, and perfect for adults who want to unwind without distractions.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Virgin Voyages entertainment is totally different from what you might expect. The music is more adult, songs are unedited, and the performances have a playful edge. One of the main hosts was a drag queen, which set the tone for fun and fabulous energy throughout the ship.

Our cruise also unexpectedly became a Halloween-themed cruise, which meant a few surprises. The itinerary we had planned was changed, but honestly—it made things more exciting. We participated in themed nights like:

• Scarlet Night – a sultry, dramatic costume evening

• Pajama Party – yes, pajamas and champagne

• Costume Parties – spontaneous fun for everyone

We had prepared to dress up for dinner each night, not because it was required or formal, but just for the fun of it. It was playful, lighthearted, and honestly one of my favorite parts of the experience.

Dining Like You’ve Never Experienced

Dining on Virgin Voyages is revolutionary for cruising. There is no buffet, no pre-prepared lines, no one touching or breathing on your food. Instead, Virgin offers around-the-clock, made-to-order dining across 22 restaurants, from casual bites to fine cuisine.

A few highlights from my personal experience:

• Gun Bay – fantastic, fresh, inventive dishes

• Test Kitchen – an interactive, experimental culinary experience

• Pink Agave – bold flavors and beautiful presentation

• Pizza – honestly some of the best pizza I’ve had at sea

• Lick Me Till I Scream – adorable ice cream shop, fun and indulgent

Pro Tip: Make your dining reservations as soon as possible. Restaurants operate first-come, first-served, and if you don’t want the late 9:30 p.m. slots every night, you need to book early—just like any top restaurant on land.

Bars & Drinks

We definitely enjoyed the adult beverage scene. While Virgin Voyages offers all-inclusive options, we did keep a bar tab at times, exploring creative cocktails and the ship’s many bars. The variety and quality of drinks are outstanding, and whether you’re sipping in the lounge or at the poolside, the atmosphere is always lively but never chaotic. Check out this short TikTok to see an example of how much we enjoyed the bar tab HERE.

Packing & Personal Tips

Here’s what I brought from Amazon and how it worked out:

• Cruise-approved extension cord/multi-outlet – not needed, plenty of outlets in our cabin.

• Magnetic hooks & decorations – perfect for personalizing your cabin, especially for birthdays.

• Magnetic whiteboard & markers – fun for leaving messages and tracking plans.

• Compression packing cubes – great for staying organized.

• LOVEVOOK personal backpack – ideal for day excursions.

• No lanyard required – Virgin uses a ship card wristband, which worked flawlessly.

Other than that, I packed light, and it was perfect—this is a cruise where you really don’t need to overthink what you bring.

Reflections from My 40th Birthday at Sea

This cruise wasn’t just a vacation—it was a milestone celebration. The freedom to explore, indulge, and just enjoy being present made it truly special. Virgin Voyages’ focus on adults, experiences, and personalization turned a standard cruise into a five-day memory I’ll never forget.

I took tons of videos and photos, from the magnetic whiteboard messages to our excursions. You can catch some of my favorite moments on my TikTok , where I share fun, short clips of life aboard the Valiant Lady. Virgin even gifted me Bose earbuds!

Final Thoughts

Virgin Voyages isn’t just a cruise line—it’s a lifestyle at sea. For those who value modern design, adult-focused experiences, and top-notch food and entertainment, it’s a breath of fresh air in the cruising world.

If you’re planning your own Virgin Voyages adventure, I promise: pack light, embrace the inclusivity, and let yourself enjoy the unique vibe that sets this line apart. Your next adventure doesn’t have to follow the rules of traditional cruising—it can be exactly as adventurous, luxurious, and fun as you want it to be.

Quick Recap:

• Dates: October 10–15, 2025

• Ship: Valiant Lady, adult-only cruise

• Ports: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic & Bimini Island, Bahamas

• Standout Features: All-inclusive, eco-conscious, immersive entertainment, boutique feel

• Packing Must-Haves: Magnetic hooks, whiteboard, packing cubes, personal backpack

If you don't want to use my FREE travel planning and booking services, and prefer to check do all the work on your how, you can book your very own Virgin Voyages Cruise HERE!